Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas - Page Text Content

S: The Cook Book

FC: The Cook Book for my life

1: Oh man!!” Iron Chef America is on and I’ve already missed 10 minutes of the show. I rush to the television and the excitement and thrill of the show throws me into frenzy because I couldn’t find the remote. I start to throw pillows on the floor wondering why we can’t put the remote on the stand where it belongs. I finally find the remote, turn the television to channel 55, and push the start over button. Boy do I love DVR comes in handy when you’re in situations like this. The show started and Bobby Flay was going against a restaurant owner who got lucky to star on this amazing show. The ingredient was a common but very tasty red wine. Just so happened my parent’s anniversary was just 2 days ago and they had two bottles left over. So that was one ingredient, I was hoping that what he would create we had in the fridge which was likely because we always stock up. His first dish that he was working on was an appetizer, I rushed to the kitchen and threw open the fridge. He had some ground beef and some vegetables to go with the dish. The vegetables were onions, basil, and celery. He started to chop these and merge them in a bowl with some salt and pepper. I started to lop all the vegetables and reenacted exactly what he did.

2: It’s a feel of excitement, a thrill you could say when I am in the kitchen with utensils that will create hopefully a dish to remember. I feel as if I am the creator and the creation that I am making will surprise them all. I love to work in the kitchen, there isn’t a time where I don’t ask my mother if I can help or just get into the kitchen myself and prepare something for whoever is hungry at the moment. I will create anything, but with my family not everything can be made in there house. If it was up to me we would try a new dish every night, something originated in another country or state. As I was merging the ingredients and added some of my own herbs to the mixture, my grandmothers cooking popped up in my mind suddenly. As a little kid you didn’t care what you ate, but as long as you got something to eat you would be fine. Anyway, my Grandma didn’t really explore with her dinners. They would be pretty basic and quick, take about 30 minutes. One of the meals would be meatloaf; with her meatloaf she’d have a side of macaroni and cheese and green beans. Every time we went over my grandma’s house it would be a time of laughter and congregation as a family. We would sit down and watch the football games on television. Mean while, I would always ask my grandma if there was something I could do to help because I had a love to cook and I couldn’t do it at my house, and you know grandma never says no. My grandma would have never tried to create this kind of dish, or explore the television to find something new. It just wasn’t in her nature; she would stick to the book because that’s what she was used to. I can’t blame her though when you get older in age some things you can’t eat anymore like you used to. As I was recalling those moments of eating at my grandmother’s house I realized that we would eat the same food you know not in a row but it was common to me, and I would always look at cook books and look at the food that hasn’t been made in my eyes and wonder what it tastes like. Also, some in my family are afraid to try new stuff because it’s from a different background of ethnicity. Like my father for instance, he won’t try any ones Hispanic styled dish, but when it comes to Chinese food he trusts everything except for sushi. My brother is a picky eater also, and as for my mom it seems she would open up to new ideas, but you can never know, it’s sometimes hard for people when it comes to trying new things. As I was reminiscing on the sweet smells of food and recollecting on the enjoyable moments spent at my grandmother’s house, a ringing came to my ears and I was again back in my kitchen smelling this sweet and delicious looking appetizer I just created. I set the table for a little appetizing snack for my family. It didn’t take long for them to be conjured by the delectable smelling treats just out the cooking dish. As they entered the kitchen I announced that it was something I saw made on television, also that I think that they would enjoy it. So we sat down as a family and enjoyed a bountiful appetizer that was rated with 5 stars and nominated on the have to cook again category.

4: We sat down at the table as a family; before we started to eat my dad said a prayer over the food. He thanked God for the day, the many blessings that we have, and bless the ones who don’t have that you may restore there needs. He says that prayer commonly but just so happened after we left the bountiful Wal-Mart, we saw a man with dirty cargo shorts, with a dirty face covered with wild hair, and a shirt that was at least 3 sizes too big. He had a sign that read “food please, God bless”. We pulled over to his aid and handed him 10 dollars. His smile said it all, the happiness just took over him and he thanked us, as we drove off we saw him walk into a nearby McDonalds, which made me realize that that ten dollars could only just last him the night. I began to eat and the food was delicious, the thought of the old man popped up in my head once again and it stayed on my mind until dinner was over.

5: As I was sitting at the table I was confronted by my parents, they were wondering why I was still sitting at the table. I looked at them and said “I wish we could have done more for that homeless man”. They answered in agreement, but that we can’t help them all, that God will take care of his children. Then that reminded me that God loves his children so much that he would never put us in a situation where were not nurtured or cared for, unless we are out of his will. That thought brought me to the daydream of how I have been nurtured and taken care of. Then suddenly, one person stuck out to me like a sore thumb. My Grandmother always took care of her grand’s, great-grand’s, children, and her whole family. I can’t think of a time where my grandma wasn’t in the kitchen fixing a hot meal for whoever needed or wanted one. She would care for any and everyone; it was just her way of nurturing us with her good food. I remember one meal it was her annual meal where she would make pig feet, turnip greens, and black eyed peas the street was too. As soon as we got inside I was met by hugs, kisses, hand shakes, and most important love. ack eyed peas. This brought the entire family to my grandma’s house, because when she cooks this kind of meal, she can throw down. When my

6: It didn’t take long for me to find a place in front of the television and started to watch a basketball game. Soon the food was ready and everyone was around a big circular table ready to dive into the food that was presented. First of course we said grace, after that we dug in. The food was great I don’t eat pig feet so I got some of the chicken wings instead. By time all the oh’s and ah’s of the game were over, the laughter and gossip of the woman, and everyone had there fill of seconds, it was time to depart and go home. That meal/ get together was a glimpse of something well needed in life. The laughter, love, and food all played an important role in what was presented as a substance of some kind that was familiar in many moments of your life but was present strongly in this time of family getting together. The substance is wholeness, nutrition that can make you whole in a way that all the bad is forgotten and your bad day is turn into a great day. This is why I want to open a soup kitchen and help out the homeless with there everyday issue of not having food for the night. This way the nurturing and feeling of love can be given to them from people who actually care and what to help them in there situation of need. This would give them what I get everyday and can hopefully help them strive from day to day, to try and turn there situation around to a

7: point where they can just have hope. Also I will share the word of God, not beat it in there heads but just let them know that there is a God that can and will help them once they turn there lives over to him.

8: Ingredients 4 egg yolks 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pinch ground white pepper 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon water 1 cup butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 eggs 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 8 strips Canadian-style bacon 4 English muffins, split 2 tablespoons butter, softened Directions To Make Hollandaise: Fill the bottom of a double boiler part-way with water. Make sure that water does not touch the top pan. Bring water to a gentle simmer. In the top of the double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, white pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon water. Add the melted butter to egg yolk mixture 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time while whisking yolks constantly. If hollandaise begins to get too thick, add a teaspoon or two of hot water. Continue whisking until all butter is incorporated. Whisk in salt, then remove from heat. Place a lid on pan to keep sauce warm. Preheat oven on broiler setting. To Poach Eggs: Fill a large saucepan with 3 inches of water. Bring water to a gentle simmer, then add vinegar. Carefully break eggs into simmering water, and allow to cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Yolks should still be soft in center. Remove eggs from water with a slotted spoon and set on a warm plate While eggs are poaching, brown the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and toast the English muffins on a baking sheet under the broiler. Spread toasted muffins with softened butter, and top each one with a slice of bacon, followed by one poached egg. Place 2 muffins on each plate and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.

9: “Welcome everyone to Emeril Live”. The noise of the crowd rang through my room as Emeril himself came out to greet his audience with hugs and hand shakes. He returns to his stage and bows to the audience and they gave him one last applaud. Emeril began to talk about the meal he would prepare that after noon when a great idea popped up in my head, “what would it be like to become an amazing chef and cook for people as a living? But at the same time own my own restaurant in select places just like Emeri Lagasse. Then my future would be set, with a job like that and all that money, I wouldn’t have to worry about being without things that are necessary for my life. Just to have that feeling and sensation of millions of people cheering for you, would be one of my biggest dreams. I would have a specific kind of dish each time my show is aired. It would be different also, like I will create dishes that are from different areas of the world. It would give the people a new taste to try, and not get used to the same dish that they had the last time they came. If I had a show I would have to plant it in my own like studio in Florida. The reason I would have it in Florida is because, the sun is always shining, and it would be a great spot for where people come on vacations and tourism. This would also include me having a beach house, yacht, and other lavish things.

10: My restaurant would be two stories high with lots of space. That way we can fit people in with a full house, but also let them out without that much congestion. It would be Christian based restaurants so no beer and only wine, also the tables will be so elegant that you would just spend minutes admiring the beauty that your eyes are gracious that you are bestowed with such a sight. There would of course be two kitchens since its two stories tall, each kitchen will have its own chef, but of course I would cook some meals also. I would respect my customers and honor them with my presence and greet them with hugs and hand shakes. I would prepare a dish every once in a while, you know just to show that it’s my specialty. | Also I would add a new twist, instead of me just butting in on peoples orders and cook for them, I would tell my chef, and waiters the specialty I will be cooking for the night and if the customers want to try it then I will cook it. I would place my head quarters in charlotte, reason being is that it’s where I was brought up and my entire family live here. Also just in case one of my family members holds the type of criteria that I need in my corporation then I would go to them first. I mean of course they have to be well prepared for the job, but I believe if you need help you can always look back to your family. This way I wouldn’t have to worry about trusting people, not saying that I won’t have to do this anyway but it would help the process of me hiring people. | On my menu I would have to say that it would be Italian based. This is because I love pasta, its good for you, can fill you easily, and can be prepared in a variety of dishes. There isn’t anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good plate of pasta; with the pasta you can get a side salad. Also on the menu would be authentic appetizers, drinks, deserts, and entrees. Appetizers would include like an Italian dip, bread with oil vinaigrette stuff like that that are light but get you to be impatient until your real meal comes. Not because the service is slow, but that the appetizer was so good that you cant wait to try the main course. Also I would have a vegetarian menu for all the non-meat eaters, and the kids menu will be exactly what kids like and parents agree on.

11: As I returned from my thoughts the Emeril show was almost over. “Dang I missed the whole show because I was daydreaming.” As I sat on the couch I thought to myself that my restaurant would go down in history as hopefully the best Italian experiences ever. “I wonder how much research or how long I would have to stay in Italy to gain and maintain their type of cooking and techniques that they use daily. Well I guess I should start the studying, but before I do that I missed all of my show and didn’t see one bit of it except for the intro. I hit the select button and start over; there we go hopefully this time I won’t daydream. As I looked at Emeril in his studio, I started to think about how he obtained his inspiration to cook. My inspiration as you know came from my love for food and wanting to help the homeless. So what better way to help them than cook for them and I would help them find a suitable home. Before I knew it I was daydreaming again. “Mr. Roberts” “Yes” “Your meeting has started sir” “Alright, thank you”. I begin to walk to the office and open the door the board is sitting in the conference room. I sit at my end of the table and start the meeting off with a hello, prayer, and how are we looking. “Well sir we have been able to help over thousands of people nation wide and your recognition has gotten the attention of the president. He would like to meet with you in a month for more insight of this project and how he can help. “Well tell the president that I will have to check my schedule, but I will possibly be able to make the meeting”. “Yes sir”, “Oh and KyLisa” “Yes sir?” “Remember the changing of a person’s life for the long run and the change that we are doing isn’t a project, it’s a mission”. “Yes sir I will relay the message to the Presidents assistant”. “Thank you”. I look at the people that I have invested my trust and faithfulness in; I realize that they have the same passion and determination. Alright what can we move forward into to make the word begin to be spread internationally? My executives start to talk about commercials and other types of market advertising. “ I want to advertise our mission in a way where were not seeming forceful to the people who believe that there way is better than ours, but persuade them about the possibilities that are possible after they see our mission and then they wont be able to say no. My executives and leaders clap at the thought that were actually going to change the word. I mean that’s why God put us on this earth that as little kids we realize what we want to be and then we change or twist our futures to the point where is exalting God and his plan for us.

12: As soon as I got out of the car, I smell something delicious all my senses focused on this one particular smell. Coming from football practice you get real hungry so my stomach was telling my mind to go in the house and find out what that smell is. As I got in the house I realized that the smell was familiar, I guessed it was Cornish game hen. Then I made the very intellectual assessment of what we might have been eating that night, which was Cornish hen with egg noodles, and lima beans. I excitedly ran upstairs to take a shower and get some clothes on because I was super hunger. When I was done freshening up, I went to the kitchen table where the plates and food had already been set. I sat down and started to look at all the delicious food and got impatient when my dad was taking all day to come to the table. Finally, we were all at the table and after that my father prayed and we dug in. Cornish hen is my mother’s favorite dish to cook, she cooks it mostly as a Sunday dinner, or during the week because there would probably be leftovers. She knows how to cook it so well she could probably cook it with her eyes closed. Nah, that’s a little overboard but she knows the recipe very well. I would have to say that I enjoy her cooking as much as she enjoys mine. But, I would have to say that CornisMy overall favorite meal would have to be the holiday dinners. Such as Christmas, on Christmas we usually go up to my great grandmothers house to celebrate her seeing another Christmas but also to eat and fellowship as a family, which is on my moms side. My aunts and cousin usually cook the food; we would have everything that you needed. Everything you needed would be on the main table, from jelly to sausage and then back to biscuits and gravy. As you can see we are a southern type of family so when I explain my favorite dish to make it’s probably going to surprise you. You’ll be thinking “hmmm never would have thought that was your favorite type of dish to cook because they would probably cook this more up north than down here. But, before I tell you that my next favorite holiday to have a meal on is thanksgiving. This is the best time to come as a family and remember how thankful you are for everyone that’s been put into your life. One of the thanksgivings a recent one we had everyone over to my house. Do you understand how much dishes were in the sink, the food was amazing though. We all sat in the living room where the Dallas cowboys were playing on my high definition plasma 56” television. This was also a meal that I will never forget

13: because my girlfriend came over for dinner. It was the first time she had met my family. So you could say that food can bring others that you never expect to come over come anyway. h hen is not my number dish. No, my number one dish would have to be mostly everything. Yes, you read right my favorite food is basically all food. I mean I do have some exceptions; such a zucchini, squash, and other things that don’t sound to pleasing. Oh but wait, I would eat sushi, and calamari. So there are some naturally nasty looking things that I would eat. Eating the noodles on my plate I figured out what my favorite meal was. Tilapia, which is a fish, can be made in so many different ways. You can do anything with this fish to make your meal one of a kind. I personally like to put it with a salad, your regular tossed salad with all your accommodations and a Tilapia fillet on top. Also I enjoy Tilapia because it’s not too heavy. By that I mean that it’s not like steak or pasta, you can eat it with any side without getting too full. My favorite meal with Tilapia was when my mom made it on father’s day. She made it with string beans for the vegetable and the rest was like the best part of the meal. She put the Tilapia in a type of sauté that was showing a red type of dressing. It was well flavored also she added shrimp that was in the same type of dressing that the Tilapia was in. Last, she added steak, oh man, I love steak. I am a big steak fanatic, if there is steak at a restaurant I would so get it no matter the price. So we had all of this great food and the dinner was the best. Finally, I am done with my meal I clean off the place where I was eating and I put my plate in the kitchen sink. I walk over to the television and turn it on channel 55. Iron chef America had just came on and I was ready to look at hopefully another great show of delicious food being created. “Kacey!” I was suddenly thrown out of my trance of the show by my mother’s loud cry of my name. “Yes mom”, “Come wash the dishes please” my expression as you could probably imagine was UGHHH!